Don't @ Me with Justin SimienJoin me, Justin Simien, each week for unfiltered conversations with the stars, artists and creators shaping our culture. If you’ve seen my show and film, Dear White People, you know we’re going to get into how race, gender, and sexuality impacts our lives and shapes our work. Beyond the knee-jerk reactions and Twitter hot takes, my guests and I get real and raw. Don't like what you hear? Don't @ Me.

The OrganistTake a weird, thoughtful and pleasurable journey into literature, music, art, philosophy, the internet, language, and history with McSweeney's and KCRW. This unconventional arts-and-culture magazine features contributors and guests like Miranda July, George Saunders, Lena Dunham, Tig Notaro, and Sarah Silverman.

California and America’s future

Less than 10 years ago, historian Kevin Starr warned that California might be “the first failed state in America.” But, despite that dire prediction, the Golden State is now roaring back. Is California’s resurgence establishing pattern for America?

FROM THIS EPISODE

From World War II until the 1960s, California invested in growth and welcomed newcomers. It boasted world-class infrastructure, the State Water Project and the Master Plan for Higher Education. But class and racial divisions then led to discriminatory politics. There were tax cuts, service reductions and a struggling economy. Now, the state is once again back in business. Social scientist Manuel Pastor sees a pattern that applies to the rest of the country. He and Warren discuss his new book, “The State of Resistance.”